The Cost of Being Poor: A Comparative Study of Life in Poor Urban Neighborhoods in Gary, Indiana

Appendix:

Appendix: Data and Methodology for Chapter 3 and 4 Analyses, Sample Information, and Summaries Survey Chapter 3: Analyses of Product Lines, Prices, and Services The data presented in chapter 3 were collected from three sources. I examined census data in Gary, Black Oak, Merrillville, and Portage, Indiana, to determine population percentages, poverty rates, and racial composition. The latter two sites were selected due to their proximity to Gary in that Gary residents shop there and because of their racial homogeneity in comparison to Gary and impoverished subsections. Black Oak was selected because it is a predominately White, somewhat self-contained district in Gary that is experiencing poverty similar to that of the entire city. I wished to compare and contrast the availability and types of grocery stores and actual prices in Gary to those found in a predominately White nearby city and town with lower poverty and a predominately White district within Gary with similar poverty. Part of the preliminary analysis consisted of locating and categorizing grocery stores in Gary based on telephone directories and respondent feedback . Larger grocery stores were distinguished from corner or “Mom and Pop” stores or liquor stores that sold groceries based on number of aisles and store size. Because Gary is the center of comparison in this study, all major grocery stores in the city are included, while respondents’ comments were used to identify the stores in the Merrillville and Portage areas they frequented most to include in the sample. In addition, smaller stores frequented by Gary residents to purchase staples were also included. A total of 17 stores from Gary and surrounding areas were included. After the stores were identified, a three-person project team priced items and assessed the quality and quantity of goods and services available at each location. The 217 majority of stores were visited during the week of October 20–27, 2001. I elected to visit most of the stores during the same time period to minimize possible price differences due to sales. During each visit, hypothetical purchases were made based on a predetermined list of 16 items such as milk, bread, eggs, chicken parts, fresh fruit, and canned goods. The list included basic foods that were purchased by families in the study. Prices for name brand and generic products were recorded to determine how much it would cost to “make groceries” at the various stores. The lowest-priced name brand and, if carried, the lowest-priced generic-brand items were identified. When possible, identical brands were priced at each store. However, this was usually not possible, because few stores carried identical product lines. However, prices reflect products of the same-sized portion or weight (i.e., the lowest prices for a name brand or generic 5-lb. bag of sugar at each store). Prices were obtained such that comparisons for a “total shopping trip” could be made. The total expenses presented in Table 3.2 for each shopping trip represent the lowest possible costs at each respective store for one week of groceries for a family of three. This family size was chosen because it reflects the average family size in the four study areas. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were used to compare between and within group differences for total grocery expenditures. Substantive comparisons were also made between expenditures and median household incomes for each city/town. Next, I examined the general features of each establishment (i.e., number of aisles, number of cashiers, cleanliness, parking, proximity to public transportation, product lines), special amenities (i.e., ATMs, copy machines , bakery), security (cashiers behind bars or enclosed areas, surveillance cameras, armed guards), or unique store features (lottery tickets, multipurpose stores). After each trip, the project team debriefed to compare notes and discuss their findings. Based on store size, each visit to price items and evaluate the location lasted 45 minutes to 1 hour. In addition, I randomly performed additional direct observation at several of the locations (Stores 3, 5, and 15) during monthly trips to Gary from September 2001 to May 2002. Detailed definitions and direct observation criteria are provided in subsequent sections of the appendix. Appendix of Definitions for Tables 3.1 and 3.3 Table 3.1 1. Location/Size: Where grocery store is located, G⫽Gary, B⫽Black Oak, M⫽Merrillville, P⫽Portage. Store size based on number of aisles (PI determined ): S⫽Small (1–7 aisles), M⫽Medium (8–11 aisles), L⫽Large (12⫹). 2. N⫽None: Store did not sell that item. 218 Appendix...